Afghanistan authorities destroy 1,000 tonnes of substandard medicines and cosmetics

Authorities in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province destroyed approximately 1,000 tonnes of expired and substandard medicines and cosmetic products on Monday. The goods, valued at over $20 million USD, were seized after being illegally imported through various border entry points over the last 18 months.

Kandahar Customs head Maulvi Mansurul Haq Zakir stated that the products failed to meet national quality standards. This action is part of an ongoing effort to protect public health and enforce strict quality controls across the country.

This follows previous enforcement actions by the Ministry of Public Health. In October, 142 tonnes of expired medicines and food items were destroyed in Balkh province, and in September, officials reported destroying roughly 1,290 tonnes of illegal and substandard health products nationwide.